GUYTON - The Guyton Police Department is asking for donations for the family of 7-month-old Thomas "Tommy" Michael Kendricks Jr., the son of Mike and Becky Kendricks, who has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly.

The condition occurs when a baby's head develops a flat spot, or becomes asymmetrical because of some kind of external pressure.

Babies are born with a soft, pliable skull, and when they sleep on their backs every night, their head can develop a flat spot where it presses against the mattress. This happens most often in infants who are born with a common form of torticollis, a condition in which a tight or shortened muscle on one side of the neck causes the head to tilt to one side.

Because of the rising costs of medical care and the strict guidelines imposed on medical insurance companies, the "helmet" Tommy needs to help correct this problem is not covered by insurance.

The Guyton Police Department family is seeking donations to help the Kendricks offset the cost of the device to take care of Tommy's needs. Mike Kendricks is a patrol officer with the Guyton Police Department.

"Many times our officers put their lives on the line daily for our safety and protection with little to no recognition," Chief Randy Alexander said. "We now have the opportunity to show our appreciation for those sacrifices by helping one of our own."

Donations are being accepted at any Citizens Bank of Effingham branch.